A Noontime Meditation
As I reflect on the events of September 22 throughout history, I’m reminded of how God moves in ways that we often don’t fully understand. From the courage of the Theban legion in 286 A.D. to the transformative faith of C.S. Lewis in 1931, each of these moments speaks of individuals who, in their time, likely didn’t grasp the full extent of what God was doing in and through them. And yet, their decisions—whether to refuse unjust orders, proclaim freedom, or quietly submit to God’s will—continue to inspire generations. It’s incredible to think about how our own small moments of faith and obedience might have ripple effects far beyond what we can see. Sometimes, we’re called to stand firm like the Theban legion or shoemaker John Noyes, even when we face daunting opposition. At other times, we might be like C.S. Lewis, gradually led to faith, not through a blinding revelation but through a quiet, unexpected transformation on a routine journey.
For me, this meditation is a reminder that we often don’t see the full picture in the moment. We live in a fast-paced world that demands immediate answers and results, but God works on a different timetable. Whether it’s standing for justice, embracing faith, or even stepping into the unknown, God’s plans unfold with purpose, even if we don’t always understand them at the time. Imagine Abraham Lincoln, in the heat of the Civil War, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. Did he fully understand the consequences of his bold action? Probably not. Yet, through his proclamation, countless lives were forever changed. When we pause to consider these historical figures, we are encouraged to remember that our own lives—no matter how seemingly insignificant—can be instruments in God’s larger story. Every moment of faithfulness counts, and we don’t always need to see the outcome for it to matter.
Unexpected Journeys and Small Acts of Faith
One of the most striking elements from this historical reflection is the story of C.S. Lewis. Here is a man who, while simply riding to a zoo, underwent one of the most profound transformations in Christian history. What amazes me is that it wasn’t a grand moment, at least not outwardly. It was an ordinary trip, an everyday occurrence that became the turning point in his spiritual journey. How often do we expect that our most significant spiritual moments will come with fanfare and fireworks? More often, God meets us in the ordinary. In Lewis’s case, his journey to faith was quiet and personal, but it sparked a fire that has illuminated the hearts of millions.
This leads me to reflect on my own life and perhaps yours as well. How many of us are waiting for a “big” moment to draw closer to Christ, thinking we need a life-altering event to bring us into deeper faith? But what if God is meeting us right now, in the midst of our ordinary days, just like He met Lewis on that ride to the zoo? It’s not always about the grand gestures. Sometimes, the quiet moments of surrender and the whispered prayers of faith are where God does His most transformative work. The key is staying open to Him, willing to hear His voice in the everyday and respond with trust. After all, God’s plans are often more intricate than we can comprehend, and He uses both the extraordinary and the ordinary to shape our lives for His purposes.
For the Remainder of Today
As we continue through our day, let’s take this meditation with us. Consider the legacy of faith left by those who came before us, like John Noyes or the Theban legion, who stood firm even when the outcome seemed bleak. Reflect on the quiet faith of C.S. Lewis, transformed during the most mundane of circumstances. And remember Abraham Lincoln’s brave proclamation, knowing that, like him, we may not fully understand the consequences of our actions in the moment. God’s timing and plans often go far beyond what we can see, but we are invited to trust Him in the here and now.
So, as you go about the rest of your day, ask yourself: Where might God be calling you to act in faith, even if you don’t see the full picture? Is there an area of your life where you’ve been waiting for a “big” moment, but maybe God is inviting you to meet Him in the ordinary? Hold on to the truth that God works in all things, both the small and the large, and let that inspire you to continue walking in faith, one step at a time.
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